Our Take: A just sentence

One way to beat a traffic ticket is to go to court and hope the cop who wrote it doesn't show up. When that happens, no one says much because, well, it's just a traffic ticket.

Last week a Florida Highway Patrol trooper learned it can be a bad idea to defy the court when the stakes are higher.

Volusia County Judge Belle Schumann sentenced Trooper John Costa to five days in jail, plus a fine, after he failed to show up for court in a DUI case.

About a year ago Costa pulled over a young driver going 92 mph and driving erratically, according to the police report written by Costa. He then administered a field sobriety test, and called in another trooper who gave the suspect two breath tests, which police reports indicate she failed. Badly.

When it came time for trial late last month, court officials desperately tried to reach Costa — who was under subpoena — by phone, email and text. When they finally did, Costa said he couldn't come. He had another appointment.

According to an affidavit, officials pleaded with him, noting that it was a "high blow" case and the woman's second DUI offense. No dice.

Schumann was forced to dismiss the case. After all, the Constitution is fairly clear about the right to face your accuser.

To Schumann's credit, it wasn't over. She ordered Costa to appear and explain himself. When he did, she gave him five days.

Give Schumann credit for calling the trooper to account, and then holding him accountable. It should send a signal to authorities that their responsibility to justice doesn't end with an arrest.